WILMINGTON — John Alex “Buddy” Taylor Jr., age 78, of Wilmington, passed away Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, at his home. He was born in Wilmington on Jan. 12, 1938, to John A. Taylor Sr. and Alice Sullivan Taylor.
Buddy was a lifelong member of Gibson Avenue Baptist Church and served in many ways including as an usher and helping with the Food Pantry.
Buddy was a graduate of New Hanover High School and served in the N.C. National Guard from 1955 to 1965. He loved playing golf and was a member at Echo Farms Country Club and Riegelwood Country Club. Buddy was a talented Auto Body Repair Mechanic operating Taylor’s Body Shop for many years.
Buddy is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marie Willetts Taylor, they were married Jan. 24, 1960; one son, John Alex Taylor III and his wife Angela; and one daughter Jennifer Taylor Guertin; four grandchildren, Allyson Andrews (Calin), Michael Guertin(Kaitlyn), Eric Vierling (Carol), and Tiffany Gibson (Scott); three great grandchildren, Berkleigh Andrews, Addison Andrews, and Andrew Gibson; four sisters, Shirley Pigford, Carolyn Lewis, Bonnie Tompkins, and Donna Gideon; and his stepmother June Taylor.
The family will see friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016, at Wilmington Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 at Gibson Avenue Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Tex Floyd, Rev. Vic Potter, and Rev. Larry Knowles. Pallbearers will be Michael Guertin, Calin Andrews, Jeff Smith, Kevin Smith, Jamie Gideon, and Tim Willetts. Honorary pallbearers will be Donnie O’Neil, Paul Piner, Jimmy Gideon, Tony Tompkins, and Lee Manning.
In lieu of flowers remember Buddy with a memorial gift to Gibson Ave. Baptist Church by visiting www.tmcfunding.com.